Astros Injury Updates: James close, Pressly throwing, & the others resting

Updating the Astros injured, Josh James is close to returning, Ryan Pressly ready to throw, and Carlos Correa, Brad Peacock, and Aaron Sanchez are resting.

This has been a difficult season for the Astros when it comes to the injuries they have had to endure. It seems like almost everyone at one time or another has spent time on the Injured List, some more than once. James, Pressly, Correa, Peacock, and Sanchez are the players recently on that list. With one month of the regular season to go, let’s see how they’re doing.

Josh James is the closest of the injured to make his return to the club. He was placed on the IL on July 23 (retroactive to July 22) for soreness in his right shoulder. James began his rehab assignment with the AAA Round Rock Express on August 22 and has gotten in three relief appearances.

He started out a little rocky in his first time out giving up three runs on two hits and one walk in just one-third of an inning. But James faired better in his second game and looked even better in last night’s appearance, pitching two scoreless innings with just one walk and three strikeouts.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch expressed last night he hopes that might be his final rehab game and James would be able to join the team.  “We’ll evaluate him tomorrow and see if he’s going to join us this weekend, or whether he’s going to get another outing,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’re hopeful this is going to be his last outing.”

Ryan Pressly went on the IL on August 22 and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery the following day. They did confirm after an MRI and the surgery there was no fracture. Hinch indicated he’s doing “quite well” and will start to get in some soft throws. He’s expected to return to the team prior to the postseason.

Brad Peacock returned to the Injured List on Aug. 28,  just ten days after coming off of the list. He began experiencing the sharp pain again in his right shoulder. The Astros aren’t commenting on the results of the MRI and X-rays he got Wednesday. He will not travel with the team on the road trip and won’t be doing any throwing.

"“It’s the same stuff he’s been dealing with the whole year,” Hinch said. “It’s either never gone away or it’s occurred again. He wanted to push through the pain, but it’s no different than before.”"

Aaron Sanchez was put on the 10-day IL on Aug. 21 after experiencing right pectoral discomfort. Like Peacock, he’ll stay behind and also won’t begin playing catch while Houston is on the road.

Carlos Correa, who is also staying here in Houston, is expected to start some light workouts but no batting just yet. He’s been on the IL since Aug. 21 with lower back stiffness.

That’s a lot of key players for the Astros out due to various injuries, but the team somehow seems to keep winning regardless. With the playoffs soon approaching, it sure would make everyone feel more comfortable with these guys back on the team and healthy for that push to “Take it Back”.